Happy Spring everyone!

It's finally spring!!! We live in Minnesota which means there is snow in the forecast this weekend. Lol!  This weekend was set aside for going to my parents house for Easter cookie decorating and grill out.   We have already gotten started with a good old fashioned spring cleaning, it's slow going but we will been getting more into it in the next week, due to Jerid being on spring brake.  On a more fun note we are slowly getting caught up on our Marvel movies, still haven't seen Thor, the Dark world, and Iron Man 2, so I have goals.  Thinking taking Jerid on a few outings, but that is pocket book pending.  I've been getting into my sewing space, but instead of being inspired to make things, I've been more inspired to clean, and that isn't a bad thing.  I do need to get things more organized, it's hard when your brain is dyslexic, it doesn't come easy.  Went to MarsCon earlier this month, Jerid was happy to be in the pool at the hotel, not so much for the rest of it, he likes to watch people, but doesn't like the panels. 

The business partner, Karen has been having the shop open (excluding the week of spring brake) on the weekends starting on Thursdays. Which means I've been knitting away to restock spring items. Also gearing up to bring items to Prelude Repeats, in Shoreview MN.  Which will be open three weeks in April. 
 Justin is gearing up for the spring Art Crawl, in Saint Paul.  He is making coloring pages of him and a Dave, a band mate. They are playing music under the name of Big Loud Monsters, playing music for children.  It is exciting, it's something they have been talking about for a few years now. So glad it's manifested into something real.  Please, check out the link.

https://www.saintpaulartcrawl.org/


We are hosting a clean up party to clean our garage and roof repair also in April, the week before, so the schedule is getting booked pretty quick.  Busy, busy, busy.

Thanks for reading.

Ok, so a I am feeling the need to speak up about this Minnesota Government shut down. I try to stay away from politics because I hate confrontaton but I'm so very frustrated about this shut down because it seems that more people are affected by this then last time. This shut down is going to affect my son (pictured) He is a wonderful child with Autism and global Apraxia. Because of this shut down his summer programs have been put on hold. Or cancelled all together. He and his friends at day camp, our funding that helps pay the bills are on hold and I'm not the only one suffering, some parents will have to take leave from work to take care of their differantly abled loved ones for a undisclosed amount of time. Not only are the parents affected but the ones who work with the elderly and or disabled have to take time off of work or work without pay. I'm also going to put it out there that most people that are working with the elderly and or disabled are mostly not doing it for the pay. They live like most paycheck to paycheck trying to make ends meet.

So when I heard that Gov. Dayton will not take a pay check during this shut down, I was happy to hear it. Then I heard that the rest of the government that is causing this shut down want to get paid I got mad.

I understand that not everyone in the gov. is rich. So Flippen what!!! I'm not rich, my son and many on program are not going to his summer programs. People are getting screwed left and right their summer plans for camping and more, not knowing when they can return to work or if their relatives are going to get the treatments they were promised or desurve. What is worse the politions don't want to go without a paycheck because they were not doing their jobs the right way in the first place! WTF!!!

Ok I know that Dayton is rich and he has money to spare so him not taking a paycheck is symbolic at best, but he's not making tax payers pay more when others are suffering.

The reason for the shut down is because Dayton (A Democrat) want's to charge the top 2% (the Richest in Minnesota) more in taxes and the majority (Republicans) Don't want to raise taxes they want to cut funding to everything so that the top 2% (richest of Minnesota) keep their money.

On the argument that it is the top 2% (again the richest) are the ones who create jobs and if you charge them the same amount (which it wouldn't be the same it still would be less) as the average waige earners they will leave the state taking their jobs with them.

So if we just cut all funding to everything, not raise any revinue and petending we are not drowning in a sea of dept then we will just be fine? (Right)

On the other side of that is if that were true then with all of the money that the top 2% of earners haven't created more jobs by now when the hell will they?

The fact of it is, if we don't have revinue we will just fail, the counties will suffer and the tax payers will pay more in property tax and they will give up and find a new place to live leaving the small businesses without customers and it be like it has been for years, only worse. (Thank you Pawlenty)

It just seems logical in a house hold. If you have cut all expences, lugeries, and have done all you can down to the bear essentals and you are still not making ends meet and you are working all you can for what you have. Sometimes you have to take the chance and ask your bosses for a raise. Or find a new job. I look at the gov. the same way. It's time for them to ask for a raise from the ones that are paying the least.

In my opinion they should not get paid if all other gov. imployees that are not in politics that haven't done anything except our jobs are not getting paid. It's only fair.

It's sad to think that in this day in age Robin Hood would be consitered a Liberal Democrat that just wants the to make everyone poor. Instead of a hero.

As for my son and I we are going to do the best with the little we have and try to make this summer something more then a wash.

I'm also hopeing to sell stuff at ConVergance (a sci-fi convention that is going on this weekend, one of which I wouldn't be going if I didn't pay a year in advance)

Sorry for the rant I just felt very passionate about this, I hope in the final days before the shut down they find a way to make it not happen. (I'm not holding my breath.)

I would like to point out that this is long over do, and I'm sorry for the delay.



Well I had recieved some really good goodies from the Beltain (Mayday) Swap and I'm greatful to say that my package did make it there. I didn't get any pictures apon the arrival of my package but I have some pictures of some of the things that I got, I'll be posting more later...I would like to say to YaYaSis, thank you again fro the lovely gifts.



My very first package from a different country, all the way from Berlin Germany. I thought that was so cool!


In my package that I recieved was a spindle and some roving, (the roving isn't pictured, it was a lovely purple), I have never spun my own yarn, so I took my new spindle to the Sheperd Harvest Festival and learned how to spin or "role my own" yarn. I also got some really cool sock yarn which I started new socks for myself. (pictured, socks were the Blue Bell socks from One hundred and One Designer One Skien Wonders book) I love the color way and couldn't stop to take a before picture (sorry). She also sent me some jewlry, chocolate and some goodies for my dollies. I'm going to post some pictures with those idems (I promise).

In Knitting News... Today I went to my usual Knitting spot, the place I try to knit at least every Sunday. I saw some fellow fiber artists, I thought it was very cool and tried to socialize to meet new people, that seem to have a love for the arts of fiber. Then I had to remind myself a very important thing. Knitters are an intresting breed and there is two types of knitters in this world. Ones that are social knitters, they knit out side of the house to meet new people and want to socialize outside and inside of their inner circle, thus creating a bigger circle of friends. Then the other ones are anti-social knitters they knit out side of the house but are not intrested in meeting other knitters, their inner circle is just fine and there is no need to expand it. I often find that most of the knitters where I live (Chaska Area) are the anti-social knitters, sad to say. I hope to find people in my area willing to expand there social knitting circle entill then I'll just have to knit alone in the city I live, and drive to MPLS, for my social circle. In Jerid news... I was in the coffee shop (as said above) when a person who works with Jerid came up to him and said hi. She told me that Jerid is doing more and more Swimming on his own. Without a flotation device. He is also jumping off the diving board and is going into the deepend willingly. This is exciting news, consitering where he was a few short monthes ago. He is making great gains in his physical development. I'm very proud of him. We still have alot of work left to go, but the journey is the best part. In Moving to Carver News.... In my previous post I anouced that Justin's dad had past away. He apparently had no will and so everything is pending. The county wants over two-hundred grand from his astate and it's not worth that much. The house has been in the family for four generations and may be lost to the county because of Bill had no will. We are looking in to get a Lawyer because we have been working on the house for over three years. We were mostly moved in and have put alot of money and work into the home we were hoping that would be owned by a 5th gen. Hartley. If anyone knows a good lawyer, or knows the laws around this sort of thing please let us know. Thanks

Thinking about my last year. I have done more projects this year then I have ever done. Though I may not have made much money, I feel good about what I have accompished, which is more what I've felt in the past. I am very lucky for my family, though I can't begin to know how to pay them back, I do my best with the love I have for them. This year is the year I've pushed myself as an artist, a knitter, a mom and a friend. I learned alot about myself, and how much I have to work on. Though many things are not the way I wish them to be, I am confadent that, just because things are not now, they can be.

Tomorrow is November 2, 2010. A voting day. Even though it isn't a presidential election. I hope everyone will find it in their day to vote. Ok now that I have that out of the way. The last few weeks have been a little crazy Justin and Jerid went to Long Lake Conservation Center Up North Minnesota, October 18-20 th. Having the time to myself I went to Minnehaha Falls. I also went to the Mall of America. Gearing up for winter, Moving to Carver MN. has been a intresting feet. We have been slowly moving. The biggest thing right now is money. We have to start paying for past due bills for our house and Justin's dad's house. Thankfully Justin just transfered jobs to MRCI for more pay and more hours. It isn't alot more, but hay, more is more...right? Also I have been knitting like crazy. I am knitting for Christmas and I also have to think baby quilts, many of my friends are having babies. So that's all I guess entill next time.

This is Jerid, my son. He we were at Caribou the other day and I was playing with my webcam. Of course this meens he had to take over and Ham it up for everyone! I thought it was so cute that I have to share! Enjoy... It's about three minutes long, so get some popcorn. LoL!

My Birthday week went great!! The day of my Birthday, Justin and a few friends, Rahki and Tim, went walking in the morning and then went to D'vinci's for lunch. I was told that calories don't count on my birthday, so I ate lots and got a birthday shake!!!! It was fun. I also had gotten allot of Happy Birthdays on Face book from those who would have other wise not known what it was. Sweet none the less. For my Birthday I got me the Knitting with out Tears book (finely) and The Knitters Workshop By. Elisabeth Zimmerman . Crazy as it is I have also made so far Three Baby Surprise sweaters, and a rendition of a baby blanket only done as a wash cloth. I also thinking of making me the Rorschach sweater, I just have to find all the yarn for it, I know I have it. It's just packed somewhere. Also Rahki, Justin, Tim and I have been getting together to walk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at the Chaska Community Center. So far this is the second week. It seems to be working. Tomorrow Rahki is coming out to make Zucchini Bread, she brought me lots and man I have no idea what else to do with it. We will have lots for Ren. Fest. Which started last weekend. Jerid is on the last week of summer camp with Mount Olivet Rolling Acers. He has a love hate relationship with the place, he doesn't want to go entill he is there and then he is fine. I'm waiting for my second pay check from MRCI. I am also waiting to get the paper work to sign Justin up to start getting his job started there, he will be getting more money and more pay. I see no down side to it. We are also going to making the move to Carver after all. We have discussed it. It would be in the best interest of Justin's father to move in and pay off his fathers depts and live in his house until medically he can return. For we know the days of his father living on his own is no longer an option. We just have to get him med's that will be able to stabilize his moods so he doesn't fight getting the cares that he needs.

Just thinking...

I'm just wondering why the world has to be so complex, way every one has to work so very hard to get what they want, to have it always be known that it can be taken away without rhyme, reason or notice, and the ones taking it away realy don't want what you have, they just want to make money from it, and it's meening dosn't matter. This is the world we live in. That is it.

Jerid has been going to Summer Camp this week, two more weeks to go. He seemed to develope a cough, I took him to urgent care, but it seems nothing medical, I guess I have to up his juice intake, and make sure he eats, gets rest. I am fearing he may be sick soon. I really hope it's just allergies. I don't want to take him out of Camp, he really likes it. I like that he does. We talked to an elder care lawyer today. sigh. We couldn't stay longer then an hour and she insisted on getting paid right there. Two hundred an hour...How can you sit there and look at people and seriously expect two hundred dollars for sitting on your but and looking at some papers, saying things to people that may already know. I am appalled at the amout of greed that people have. Ok, rant over....Sigh, I just wish things weren't so complicated when it comes to keeping a family house in the family. Justin and I have finally come to the conclusion that we just need to move to Carver. It would be in His dad's best intrest for some one to live in his house, on the premise that he will return home, he can't live alone.

lately I have been on face book ranting about the way the community and the world has been acting. I have been reading how religious groups have been holding up signs saying "God hates...fill in the blank..." I realize that it's been going on long before I was born and will be going on as long as the human race has posible thumbs.
I am not a Christian, nor do I follow the Christian faith in any way, I do not have a church, People are the ones that hate. To say or put in writing that God hates anything is selfish and ignerate and should have some serious counciling to boot. I know that the universel God is supposed to made of love and nothing more.
I also realize as long as there is opposing thoughts and politics that people will bash anyone as long as they are in a politial party that they are not in, weather they like them as a person or not. It's sad and frustrating.
I admit that I have opposing views in politics, I will also debate with people. I admit I didn't mind the bashing when it was George W. Bush. I had disliked him from the beggining because I was so frustrated and felt like my freedom of speech was being squished while he was our president, I got on the band wagon as soon as the uprise of political bashing happened, now that the world is happy that he is out of office. I am realizing how even with less fustration with our present the world has, people with opposing thoughts are angry. They are excersizing their freedom of speech, I just wish it didn't sound so much like they are screaming fire, in a crowded theater and there is none.
I have to admit that I am not perfect in the least bit. I'm the first to admit this. I just wish more people would personify their beliefs as something more then their own.

(this is a quilt I made about a year ago, It sold at Convergence 2009)

I have been looking through magazines at Barnes and Noble today and was unimpressed with allot of what I saw. I have to say the social norms are random weirdness. I guess my burning question is , now what? I like random weirdness, don't get me wrong, I loved being described as organic. I still do. Being authentic has been my state of mind for as long as I have been alive. I loved the quote "I am what I am" Poppy was right all the way on that one. I'm just wondering if people are being authentic or just trying hard to be weird, so they are noticed. The other thought is maybe I'm envious of there success of being authentic. Its very complex emotions I have been feeling lately. I know I have talent, I've never questioned that, I just don't know what to do with it. I'm kinda all over the place when it comes to that, "So many hobbies so little time' comes to mind. Which seems to be so very true when I think about it. I don't want to get rid of my hobbies, I just want to use all of them to create something bigger then maybe myself. But not so big that I loose what I have. Again with the complexities. What to do? What to do?

I've been writing a book for about fifteen years now. I have lot of pictures that I have drawn, paintings I have started and started many quilts, doll clothes that not many will buy, take pretty pictures with my camra, I knit so many things and they are warm. Part of me thinks I should give it all up, and the other part of me thinks its crazy to even think that way. Sigh.

I'm also thinking I need a fresh prospective on everything. Step out of my proverbial box of social norms and stretch out my wings and learn a new way to fly. I have the ambition to talk about it, just not the knowledge on how to do it. I also lack the ambition to get over my fears, go fig. I'll try and let you know how things go.

This post is about the man who's picture I put up...His name is Eric Bryce Dibble, he was born July 31, 1975 and he passed away Oct. 17, 2001.

Since his birthday is coming up, I thought I would write about him. His nick name was Guppy, and he was great soul.

He became my Husband June 12, 1998 and was a father to Jerid that same year.

He loved being a dad, even with his declining health he was as active as he could be at the Ren. Fest Minnesota.

I miss him and his laugh.

Rest in Peace Guppy, you are still loved.

Trouble sleeping

Lately I've been haveing problems sleeping at night, I have been staying up not because I'm not tired but because I haven't been sleeping well. I don't seem to be the only one, of my friends because I end up I.M.ing people on Facebook or talking on the phone till late at night. When I do go to bed, every noise seems to wake me up, When I do sleep, I wake up feeling just as tired as I did before I went to bed. I'm awake and aware. Just tired and drained. I did notice since we got the AC put in my sleeping has gotten a little bit better. The up side of being awake is that I have been busy.
I have finished Justin's brown socks and now am make a new pair, also still working on baby hats, and started a five hour baby sweater. I've also started my new job of being a paid Parent threw the CDSC grant, I should be getting my first pay check in about a week, I think. (hope)
I also have to start thinking of baby blankets soon, I have a few friends that are expecting before the year is through.
I'm also hoping with my pay checks, I will have enough money to start taking time for myself for a change. I have lots of bills to take careful (who doesn't) I'm hoping to have enough to have one night a week just for me. (preferably Wednesdays) so I can be social and maybe alittle active.
Well heres to being active.

Things are topsy turvey right now...I don't want to get to horrably into detail because I don't want to bore anyone. So I'll talk about all of the good stuff I can. Justin's bands, the Feng Shui Ninjas and Beth Kinderman and the Player Characters are having a CD release party as we speak! For the Feng Shui Ninjas, the CD is named Home Shuritken Kit (in case of an emergancy throw this disc) and for Beth Kinderman and the Player Characters it's More songs about Robots and Death. Both sound awesome! I get more amazed at the talent that they have every year.

I'm still knitting baby hats, my friend Linda, who I've been giving them to, told me that they have been going to North Memorial Hospitals in Mpls, MN. Up entill now I had no idea.

Jerid is going to be starting summer school in early July, Jerid qualified for wavered services for the CDSC grant, which meens I will be able to be payed to be Jerids care giver, which meens I'll be payed, I'll have a real paying job. I'm looking forward to making enough to pay taxes again. That hasn't happened in so long. We have been preparing for Convergance, this year we didn't prepare as well as we usually do, I still don't know if I'll have anything in time for the Art show.


Justin's dad was home from the Nursing home for the weekend last week, but had to go back to the rehab center. sigh, complicated things going on with the house in Carver. four and half generations of history may be left to the state, not to Justin , because of Bill not trying anyone. sigh.

Been moving to Carver, and yet it seems not at all. It doesn't help that Jerid is now out of school and it's just me, Justin and Jerid. Now not to say we haven't had help, we just have been doing ALOT of cleaning at the Carver house, there is at least ten years worth of dust and grime and clutter to work threw before we can even start moving our stuff in. ICK! so I am very thankful for what help we do get, thank you to all that have helped you know who you are. We can not even know where to begin with the thanking. sigh... Justin's dad will be back this Friday. His hospital bed will be coming on Thursday. Justin and I have been at our wits end and have been non to kind to each other lately. I blame the stresses of his father coming home, and up in coming events that may not be easy to attend. (CD release parties, Convergance to name a few) We will do what we can and hopefully things will turn out for the best, entill then Justin's dad will be home for fathers day. Yay! Justin and his Mom have not spoken to each other in even tones for almost a year, and now we will be living four blocks away from her, very soon...should be intresting. (sigh)

It also has been an emotionally hard week on me because it was Eric and I's twelve year wedding anniversary. I know he has been gone for eight years and I should have moved completly on bye now, but I get sad on that day because it was a very complex, confussing, angering and loving day. To put it mildly. It would take alot to make me forget that day. 6-12-1998. sigh

On a different note, I have been knitting still, mostly infant hats, very little and very fun. I've been taking a break from things that make me think to much and I like to use up my left over sock yarn. Keeps me in motion, when I have to keep my hands busy.

I have also started reading again, I have been reading the Dresden Files (finally) it is a good series, ok, I admit I saw the TV series first but the books are riviting. I also find it funny that all in all I'm still reading about a wizard named Harry. (Justin is on the last book of the Harry Potter series, I finally got him to read them, and I think this is the fastest I've ever seen him read anything, especially seven books in a row.)

Jerid has taken a break from Kidtalk O.T. this summer, I think it's lame that he has too because this is the time that he does his best is when he is off school. His speech is going in a different direction. In stead of them making him talk they are making him write what he wants in a relivent manner, ok I say good, but what about the talking part? They say it will come later, I just don't know how to feel about it.

Between Justin's dad, and mom, Jerid and his therepies, and all the other new things coming up I feel very tired.

Now that I have my creative writing out of the way, I can write about my life. The Ode to Chubby Hubby was because of yesterday. I was sick yesterday and to settle my tummy Justin bought me some Chubby Hubby, and it helped. Silly I know, but true. I tummy is settled, but still a little ill. I was introduced to the ice cream by my late husband Eric. It was one of his favorites, and those who know they discontinued the flavor for a while and reintroduced it only a year or two ago. I also have heard the reference to the flavor on Everybody loves Raymond. I thought it funny that I was eating it when it was made.

Now I have to announce that I have finished one of the Wicked Wicked Elphaba socks, this last week, I really like the pattern. It is beautiful.

I know I have written about Jerid and the Special Olympics, the "rap up Party" for the Spring Olympics is coming up on the 25th of April, to get pictures of the teams (swimming and basketball) for the local paper. I will be posting the pictures as well on my blogs.

The Minnesota river is now under 21 feet in Carver MN. and we don't have sub pump the basement anymore! I am greatful for that.

There has been many stresses in my life so I'm getting it out now, at the beginning of this there was an outstanding bill that was owed to Justin's mom, (long, long, long story,) around 750 dollars long. Soon after we took out money from the last of our savings to pay her off, dryer died, it is truly dead. Just last week our water heater died as well, and because we live in a trailer, it is large some of money to replace the effing thing!! GRRRR!!! (Way more then 750 dollars) The same day we found that out we did our taxes, we had to pay in six dollars to fed. and we get twelve back from state. OK, not bad, then we got a letter from Justin's work saying that he will have a ten percent pay decrease, effective now. They are claiming it's because of increased premiums of their insurance plans, which I think it interesting that Justin doesn't get insurance through his work, so where is it going? I don't think he should pay for something he doesn't get himself.

I think it's safe to say I don't like money. I never really liked it. I understand that we need it as an economic country, we can not live without it. With out it you can't get anything. Which sucks.
Sorry to get political but I have to say...
I'm wishing for a change. I understand that Obama is fighting for the little guy, (which we are in that little guy range) I just wish the rest of Washington could get on board.

I heard on MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) the other day from a caller who was in the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) party, say that people will have to get off welfare, and get a job.

I have something to say to those who think that way.

Not everyone on welfare wants to be there. If there were jobs, they would get them. Some people have no choice on the matter. Some have criminal records, some are disabled, some are clinically depressed, some don't have an education and are under qualified, some are over qualified, and some don't have the money to get the proper work attire, and some don't even know what that is. Some don't have proper day care or the means to get it, some are single parents getting threw a ruff patch, and are trying to find their way.

A lot of the people are hard workers at heart, and just have fallen into a rut and should not be judged.

I certainly didn't when I was put in the welfare system. I was to old to be on my parents insurance and two young to be on strait M. A. (Medical Assistance) I was 19 years old and pregnant. The county signed me on to the welfare program (cash assistance and food stamps) which cost the county more then to just cover my medical expenses, WTF! I ended up getting married to get M. A. so I wasn't on welfare. For the record, we got married because we were in love too, the M.A thing was icing on the cake. (that too is a long story)

I do think they, the county, has to look at what people want and what they need, and respect what the individual wants.

I admit that their are people who wreck the system for the rest of the population, it happens on every system that exists. But every system is different and it is fluid and always changing, just like this health care reform. It will be changed by the course of time and who is in office will reflect that. I'm not happy with everything happening in Washington either, I'll be truthful. I'm not 100% happy either.

But I stand by the fact that not everyone who is there wants to there.

I heard that most of the TEA party members make more then 100,000 dollars in a year. They don't the gov. to take over health care, the banks, or anything. Yet when they see suffering, they contact their congress men and say what are you going to to about that.

I say what are YOU going to to about that!!! If you don't like what's going on in your community, get involved in it. The only way to make a change is to change what you don't like yourself. Become a volunteer, pick up litter when you see it. If you don't want to give your money give your time to a shelter, see where your tax money is going and help out in the causes you believe in most, a rally shows Washington that your mad, but don't you think that you could have used that time to volunteer some where? Don't you think you would have getten a better feeling of self worth? You can be the judge.

Now that rant is over, I have to say, even with my stomach issues, I can see that it is a nice day outside in Minnesota. I think I do some knitting in the sun today.

Maybe take some pictures.

We are, like most people in the Midwest. Worried about the rising waters especially in Carver MN. On one of the dike the rising waters and on the other, the house we are tring to fix for Justin's father. The Pictures were taken on the same dike. We are still awaiting word from the Weatherization company to see what happen's next...I hope things will come around soon, it's getting scary here on the wire. Pictures of the house are taken by Sara Dibble, the Bridge is taken by Justin Hartley.